ATSB report reveals pilot unwell before fatal plane crash in WA's Midwest
Australia's air safety watchdog says the pilot of a light plane who died in a crash in WA's Midwest was unwell prior to the flight.
The man, aged in his 60s, was killed when the Cessna 150M crashed in bushland near Ogilvie, around 500 kilometres north of Perth, on March 21 en route from Geraldton to Shark Bay.
A motorist spotted the wreckage of the aircraft about 11:15am that day, just over an hour after the plane took off, and notified authorities.
In its preliminary report, released on Wednesday, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) noted the aircraft collided with terrain at high speed, and there was no post-impact fire.
The preliminary report noted witnesses at Geraldton Airport said the pilot appeared unwell prior to the flight, and had mentioned having severe gastroenteritis in the days leading up to it.
However, it said he had no apparent speech or physical impairment.
"The ATSB's ongoing investigation will include the collection and review of all available medical history and post-mortem information for the pilot," Commissioner Angus Mitchell said.
"It will also include examination and review of all the other evidence gathered, including CCTV and CTAF recordings, aircraft, pilot and operator documentation, witness reports, the aircraft's maintenance history and the evidence gathered at the accident site."
The report found about 18 minutes into the flight, the pilot texted a photo to a staff member at the maintenance organisation at Geraldton, noting a "slightly higher than usual oil temperature".
"The temperature shown in the photo was towards the upper end of the normal range, but below the 240 degrees Fahrenheit maximum oil temperature limit."
The ATSB noted the maintainer replied to the text, stating they "could look into fitting coolers onto the aircraft to resolve the issue".
The bureau said it was still recovering data from a damaged GPS receiver found at the accident site.
A final report, including safety analysis and findings, will be released when the investigation concludes.
"Should a critical safety issue be identified … the ATSB will notify relevant parties immediately," Mr Mitchell said.
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